Gas spring and gas damper assemblies as well as suspension systems and methods of assembly

ABSTRACT

Gas spring and gas damper assemblies include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring includes a flexible spring member with opposing end members secured thereto and at least partially defining a spring chamber. An elongated damping passage having a spiral configuration extends through one of the end members. The gas damper includes a damper housing that at least partially defines a damping chamber in fluid communication with the spring chamber through the elongated damping passage. A damper piston assembly is received within the damping chamber and secured to the other of the end members. Suspension systems and methods are also included.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the artof gas spring devices and, more particularly, to gas spring and gasdamper assemblies that include a spring chamber as well as a dampingchamber that is separated into first and second damping chamber portionsby a damper piston with an elongated passage that is capable ofproviding pressurized gas damping in fluid communication between thespring chamber and one of the first and second portions of the dampingchamber. Suspension systems including one or more of such gas spring andgas damper assemblies as well as methods of assembly are also included.

The subject matter of the present disclosure may find particularapplication and use in conjunction with components for wheeled vehicles,and will be shown and described herein with reference thereto. However,it is to be appreciated that the subject matter of the presentdisclosure is also amenable to use in other applications andenvironments, and that the specific uses shown and described herein aremerely exemplary. For example, the subject matter of the presentdisclosure could be used in connection with gas spring and gas damperassemblies of non-wheeled vehicles, support structures, height adjustingsystems and actuators associated with industrial machinery, componentsthereof and/or other such equipment. Accordingly, the subject matter ofthe present disclosure is not intended to be limited to use associatedwith suspension systems of wheeled vehicles.

Wheeled motor vehicles of most types and kinds include a sprung mass,such as a body or chassis, for example, and an unsprung mass, such astwo or more axles or other wheel-engaging members, for example, with asuspension system disposed therebetween. Typically, a suspension systemwill include a plurality of spring elements as well as a plurality ofdamping devices that together permit the sprung and unsprung masses ofthe vehicle to move in a somewhat controlled manner relative to oneanother. Generally, the plurality of spring elements function toaccommodate forces and loads associated with the operation and use ofthe vehicle, and the plurality of damping devices are operative todissipate undesired inputs and movements of the vehicle, particularlyduring dynamic operation thereof. Movement of the sprung and unsprungmasses toward one another is normally referred to in the art as jouncemotion while movement of the sprung and unsprung masses away from oneanother is commonly referred to in the art as rebound motion.

In many applications involving vehicle suspension systems, it may bedesirable to utilize spring elements that have as low of a spring rateas is practical, as the use of lower spring rate elements can provideimproved ride quality and comfort compared to spring elements havinghigher spring rates. That is, it is well understood in the art that theuse of spring elements having higher spring rates (i.e., stiffersprings) will transmit a greater magnitude of road inputs into thesprung mass of the vehicle and that this typically results in a rougher,less-comfortable ride. Whereas, the use of spring elements having lowerspring rates (i.e., softer, more-compliant springs) will transmit alesser amount of road inputs into the sprung mass and will, thus,provide a more comfortable ride.

Such suspension systems also commonly include one or more dampers ordamping components that are operative to dissipate energy associatedwith undesired inputs and movements of the sprung mass, such as roadinputs occurring under dynamic operation of a vehicle, for example.Typically, such dampers are liquid filled and operatively connectedbetween a sprung and unsprung mass, such as between a body and axle of avehicle, for example. One example of such damping components areconventional shock absorbers that are commonly used in vehiclesuspension systems.

In other arrangements, however, the dampers or damping components can beof a type and kind that utilizes gas rather than liquid as the workingmedium. In such known constructions, the gas damper portion permits gasflow between two or more volumes of pressurized gas, such as through oneor more orifices, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2004/0124571, or through one or more valve ports, asshown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,799. Generally, there is someresistance to the movement of pressurized gas through these passages orports, and this resistance acts to dissipate energy associated with thegas spring portion and thereby provide some measure of damping.

One factor that may be limiting the broader adoption and use of gasspring and gas damper assemblies may relate to the challenge ofbalancing desired performance levels with size and/or space limitationsassociated with the particular application and/or use for which the gasspring and gas damper assemblies are intended. As one example, motorizedvehicles commonly include significant packaging and/or space limitationsthat can reduce the area that is available adjacent the gas spring andgas damper assembly. As such, in some cases, a reduced volume ofpressurized gas may be used. In other cases, the desired volume ofpressurized gas may be provided in a remote location relative to the gasspring and gas damper assembly. In either case, some decrease in dampingperformance of conventional constructions may result.

Accordingly, it is desired to develop gas spring and gas damperassemblies as well as a suspension system including one or more of suchassemblies that overcome the foregoing and/or other difficultiesassociated with known constructions, and/or which may otherwise advancethe art of gas spring and gas damper assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

One example of an end member in accordance with the subject matter ofthe present disclosure is dimensioned for securement to an associatedflexible spring member to at least partially form an associated gasspring and gas damper assembly having an associated spring chamber andan associated damping chamber. The end member can have a longitudinalaxis and include an end member wall that extends peripherally about thelongitudinal axis. The end member wall can include an outer side wallportion that extends longitudinally along the end member and includes anouter surface dimensioned to abuttingly engage the associated flexiblespring member. An end wall portion can be oriented transverse to thelongitudinal axis and operatively connected to the outer side wallportion. An elongated damping passage can extend along the end wallportion between a first end and a second end. The first end can bedisposed in fluid communication with the associated spring chamber andthe second end can be disposed in fluid communication with theassociated damping chamber. The elongated damping passage extends alongthe end member wall in a spiral configuration in which one of the firstand second ends is disposed radially inward of the other of the firstand second ends.

In some cases, an end member in accordance with the foregoing paragraphcan include the spiral configuration of the elongated damping passagedisposed in a plane oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis.

In some cases, an end member in accordance with the subject matter ofthe present disclosure, such as is described in either of the twoforegoing paragraphs, can include an elongated damping passage having aspiral configuration that is at least partially formed into the endmember wall of the end member. In other cases, an end member inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as isdescribed in either of the two foregoing paragraphs, can include an endplate into which an elongated damping passage having a spiralconfiguration that is at least partially formed.

One example of a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordance withthe subject matter of the present disclosure can include a gas springand a gas damper. The gas spring can include a flexible spring memberhaving a longitudinal axis. The flexible spring member can include aflexible wall extending longitudinally between first and second ends andperipherally about the axis to at least partially define a springchamber. A first end member can be operatively secured to the first endof the flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight sealis formed therebetween. A second end member can be disposed in spacedrelation to the first end member and can be operatively secured to thesecond end of the flexible spring member such that a substantiallyfluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. The second end member caninclude an end member wall that includes an outer side wall portion thatextends longitudinally along the second end member. The end member wallcan also include an end wall portion oriented transverse to thelongitudinal axis. The end member wall can at least partially define anend member cavity disposed radially inward of the outer side wallportion. The second end member can include an elongated damping passagethat can extend across at least part of the end wall portion of the endmember wall. The elongated passage can extend between a first passageend and a second passage end. The elongated damping passage can have aspiral configuration with the first passage end disposed in fluidcommunication with the spring chamber. The gas damper can include ahousing sleeve and a damper piston assembly. The housing sleeve canextend longitudinally between opposing sleeve ends. The housing sleevecan include a sleeve wall with an inner surface and an outer surface.The housing sleeve can be at least partially received within the endmember cavity with the inner surface of the sleeve wall at leastpartially defining a damping chamber. A damper piston assembly caninclude a damper piston and an elongated damper rod operativelyconnected to the damper piston. The damper piston can be positionedwithin the damping chamber and can include an outer side wall disposedadjacent the inner surface of the inner sleeve. The damper piston canseparate the piston chamber into first and second chamber portions withat least one of the first and second chamber portions disposed in fluidcommunication with the spring chamber through the second end of theelongated damping passage. The damper rod can be operatively connectedto the first end member. Upon extension and compression of the gasspring and gas damper assembly, the damper piston can be reciprocallydisplaced within the damping chamber to generate pressurized gasdamping. Additionally, pressurized gas damping can be generated frompressurized gas transfer through the elongated damping passage betweenthe spring chamber and the damping chamber.

Another example of a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include a gasspring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a flexible springmember having a longitudinal axis. The flexible spring member caninclude a flexible wall extending longitudinally between first andsecond ends and peripherally about the axis to at least partially definea spring chamber. A first end member can be operatively secured to thefirst end of the flexible spring member such that a substantiallyfluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. A second end member can bedisposed in spaced relation to the first end member and can beoperatively secured to the second end of the flexible spring member suchthat a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. The secondend member can include an end member wall that includes an outer sidewall portion that extends longitudinally along the second end member.The end member wall can also include an end wall portion orientedtransverse to the longitudinal axis. The end member wall can at leastpartially define an end member cavity disposed radially inward of theouter side wall portion. The gas damper can include a housing sleeve anda damper piston assembly. The housing sleeve can extend longitudinallybetween opposing sleeve ends. The housing sleeve can include a sleevewall with an inner surface and an outer surface. The housing sleeve canbe at least partially received within the end member cavity with theinner surface of the sleeve wall at least partially defining a dampingchamber. A damper piston assembly can include a damper piston and anelongated damper rod operatively connected to the damper piston. Thedamper piston can be positioned within the damping chamber and caninclude an outer side wall disposed adjacent the inner surface of theinner sleeve. The damper piston can separate the piston chamber intofirst and second chamber portions with at least one of the first andsecond chamber portions disposed in fluid communication with the springchamber through the second end of the elongated damping passage. Thedamper rod can be operatively connected to the first end member. Thedamper rod can include a first passage extending in fluid communicationwith the spring chamber and one of the first and second chamberportions. The damper rod can also include a second passage that isseparate from the first passage and extends in fluid communicationbetween the spring chamber and the other of the first and second chamberportions with one of the first and second passages being an elongateddamping passage extending helically within the damper rod. Uponextension and compression of the gas spring and gas damper assembly, thedamper piston can be reciprocally displaced within the damping chamberto generate pressurized gas damping. Additionally, pressurized gasdamping can be generated from pressurized gas transfer through theelongated damping passage between the spring chamber and the dampingchamber.

One example of a suspension system in accordance with the subject matterof the present disclosure can include a pressurized gas system thatincludes a pressurized gas source and a control device. The suspensionsystem can also include at least one gas spring and gas damper assemblyaccording to either one of the two foregoing paragraphs. The at leastone gas spring and gas damper assembly can be disposed in fluidcommunication with the pressurized gas source through the control devicesuch that pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and out ofthe spring chamber.

One example of a method of manufacturing a gas spring and gas damperassembly in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosurecan include providing a flexible spring member having a longitudinalaxis. The flexible spring member can include a flexible wall extendinglongitudinally between first and second ends and peripherally about theaxis to at least partially define a spring chamber. The method can alsoinclude providing a first end member and securing the first end memberacross the first end of the flexible spring member such that asubstantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. The method canfurther include providing a second end member. The second end member caninclude an end member wall including an outer side wall portion and anend wall portion with the outer side wall portion extendinglongitudinally along the second end member and the end wall portionoriented transverse to the longitudinal axis. The end member wall atleast partially defining an end member cavity disposed radially inwardof the outer side wall portion. The method can also include providing anelongated damping passage having one of a helical and spiralconfiguration, and extending between a first passage end and a secondpassage end. The method can also include securing the second end memberacross the second end of the flexible spring member such that asubstantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. The method canfurther include providing a housing sleeve that can extendlongitudinally between opposing sleeve ends with the housing sleeveincluding a sleeve wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. Themethod can still further include positioning the housing sleeve at leastpartially within the end member cavity such that the inner surface ofthe sleeve wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. The methodcan also include providing a damper piston assembly that can include adamper piston and an elongated damper rod that is operatively connectedto the damper piston. The damper piston can include an outer side wall.The method can further include positioning the damper piston within thedamping chamber such that the outer side wall is disposed adjacent theinner surface of the housing sleeve. The damper piston can separate thepiston chamber into first and second chamber portions. The method canalso include connecting the first end of the elongated damping passagein fluid communication with the spring chamber. The method can furtherinclude connecting at least one of the first and second chamber portionsin fluid communication with the spring chamber through the second end ofthe elongated damping passage. And, the method can include connectingthe damper rod to the first end member such that upon extension andcompression of the gas spring and gas damper assembly, the damper pistonis reciprocally displaced within the damping chamber to generatepressurized gas damping with additional pressurized gas damping beinggenerated from pressurized gas transfer between the spring chamber andthe damping chamber through the elongated damping passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one example of a suspensionsystem of an associated vehicle that includes one or more gas spring andgas damper assemblies in accordance with the subject matter of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one example of a gas spring and gasdamper assembly in accordance with the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary gas spring and gasdamper assembly in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exemplary gas spring and gas damperassembly in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary gas spring and gas damperassembly in FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the exemplary gas spring and gasdamper assembly in FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary gas spring andgas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-6 taken from along line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged view of the portion of the exemplary gasspring and gas damper in FIGS. 2-7 that is identified as Detail 8 inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary gas spring andgas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-8 taken from along line 9-9 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9A is an alternate construction of the portion, shown in FIG. 8, ofthe exemplary gas spring and gas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-9.

FIG. 9B is another alternate construction of the exemplary gas springand gas damper assembly shown in FIGS. 2- 9.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view, in partial cross section, of one portion ofthe gas spring and gas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view, in partial cross section, of anotherportion of the gas spring and gas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of one example of an end plate of the gasspring and gas damper assembly in FIGS. 2-11.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of one example of an end member inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as isshown in FIGS. 2-11.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary end member in FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the exemplary end member in FIGS. 13 and14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary end member in FIGS.13-15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section side view of the exemplary end member inFIGS. 13-16 taken from along line 17-17 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section side view of the exemplary end member inFIGS. 13-17 taken from along line 18-18 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of one example of an end cap of anexemplary damper housing of a gas spring and gas damper assembly inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as isshown in FIGS. 2-11.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary end cap in FIG.19.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the exemplary end cap in FIGS. 19 and 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-section side view of the exemplary end cap in FIGS.19-21 taken from along line 22-22 in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, it is to be understood that the showingsare for purposes of illustrating examples of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, itwill be appreciated that the drawings are not to scale and that portionsof certain features and/or elements may be exaggerated for purposes ofclarity and/or ease of understanding.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a suspension system 100 disposedbetween a sprung mass, such as an associated vehicle body BDY, forexample, and an unsprung mass, such as an associated wheel WHL or anassociated axle AXL, for example, of an associated vehicle VHC. It willbe appreciated that any one or more of the components of the suspensionsystem can be operatively connected between the sprung and unsprungmasses of the associated vehicle in any suitable manner.

For example, in the arrangement shown, suspension system 100 can includea plurality of gas spring and gas damper assemblies 102 that areoperatively connected between the sprung and unsprung masses of thevehicle. Depending on desired performance characteristics and/or otherfactors, the suspension system may, in some cases, also include dampingmembers (not shown) of a typical construction that are providedseparately from assemblies 102 and secured between the sprung andunsprung masses in a conventional manner. In a preferred arrangement,however, gas spring and gas damper assemblies 102 will be sized,configured and operative to provide the desired performancecharacteristics for the suspension system without the use of additionaldamping members (e.g., conventional struts or shock absorbers) that areseparately provided.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, suspension system 100 includes fourgas spring and gas damper assemblies 102, one of which is disposedtoward each corner of the associated vehicle adjacent a correspondingwheel WHL. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitablenumber of gas spring and damper assemblies could alternately be used inany other configuration and/or arrangement. As shown in FIG. 1, gasspring and gas damper assemblies 102 are supported between axles AXL andbody BDY of associated vehicle VHC, and include a gas spring 104 and agas damper 106. It will be recognized that gas springs 104 are shown anddescribed in connection with FIG. 1 as being of a rolling lobe-typeconstruction. It is to be understood, however, that gas springassemblies of other types, kinds and/or constructions could alternatelybe used without departing from the subject matter of the presentdisclosure.

Suspension system 100 also includes a pressurized gas system 108operatively associated with the gas spring and gas damper assemblies forselectively supplying pressurized gas (e.g., air) thereto andselectively transferring pressurized gas therefrom. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1, pressurized gas system 108 includes apressurized gas source, such as a compressor 110, for example, forgenerating pressurized air or other gases. A control device, such as avalve assembly 112, for example, is shown as being in communication withcompressor 110 and can be of any suitable configuration or arrangement.In the exemplary embodiment shown, valve assembly 112 includes a valveblock 114 with a plurality of valves 116 supported thereon. Valveassembly 112 can also, optionally, include a suitable exhaust, such as amuffler 118, for example, for venting pressurized gas from the system.Optionally, pressurized gas system 108 can also include a reservoir 120in fluid communication with the compressor and/or valve assembly 112 andsuitable for storing pressurized gas.

Valve assembly 112 is in communication with gas springs 104 and/or gasdampers 106 of assemblies 102 through suitable gas transfer lines 122.As such, pressurized gas can be selectively transferred into and/or outof the gas springs and/or the gas dampers through valve assembly 112 byselectively operating valves 116, such as to alter or maintain vehicleheight at one or more corners of the vehicle, for example.

Suspension system 100 can also include a control system 124 that iscapable of communication with any one or more systems and/or components(not shown) of vehicle VHC and/or suspension system 100, such as forselective operation and/or control thereof. Control system 124 caninclude a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 126communicatively coupled with compressor 110 and/or valve assembly 112,such as through a conductor or lead 128, for example, for selectiveoperation and control thereof, which can include supplying andexhausting pressurized gas to and/or from gas spring and damperassemblies 102. Controller 126 can be of any suitable type, kind and/orconfiguration.

Control system 124 can also, optionally, include one or more height (ordistance) sensing devices 130, such as, for example, may be operativelyassociated with the gas spring assemblies and capable of outputting orotherwise generating data, signals and/or other communications having arelation to a height of the gas spring assemblies or a distance betweenother components of the vehicle. Height sensing devices 130 can be incommunication with ECU 126, which can receive the height or distancesignals therefrom. The height sensing devices can be in communicationwith ECU 126 in any suitable manner, such as through conductors or leads132, for example. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the heightsensing devices can be of any suitable type, kind and/or construction,such as may operate using sound, pressure, light and/or electromagneticwaves, for example.

Having described an example of a suspension system (e.g., suspensionsystem 100) that can include gas spring and gas damper assemblies inaccordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, oneexample of such a gas spring and gas damper assembly will now bedescribed in connection with FIGS. 2-11. As shown therein, one exampleof a gas spring and gas damper assembly AS1, such as may be suitable foruse as one or more of gas spring and gas damper assemblies 102 in FIG.1, for example. Gas spring and gas damper assembly AS1 is shown asincluding a gas spring (or gas spring assembly) GS1, such as maycorrespond to one of gas springs 104 in FIG. 1, for example, and a gasdamper (or gas damper assembly) GD1, such as may correspond to one ofgas dampers 106 in FIG. 1, for example. Gas spring assembly GS1 and gasdamper assembly GD1 can be operatively secured to one another andfluidically coupled with one another in any suitable manner, such as isdescribed hereinafter, for example. A longitudinal axis AX extendslengthwise along assembly AS1, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

Gas spring assembly GS1 can include a flexible spring member 200 thatcan extend peripherally around axis AX and can be secured betweenopposing end members (or end member assemblies) 300 and 400 in asubstantially fluid-tight manner such that a spring chamber 202 is atleast partially defined therebetween. Gas damper assembly GD1 caninclude a damper housing 500 that is operatively supported on or alongend member 400 and a damper rod assembly 600 that is operativelyassociated with damper housing 500. An end mount 700 can operativelyconnect damper rod assembly 600 with end member 300.

It will be appreciated that flexible spring member 200 can be of anysuitable size, shape, construction and/or configuration. Additionally,the flexible spring member can be of any type and/or kind, such as arolling lobe-type or convoluted bellows-type construction, for example.Flexible spring member 200 is shown in FIGS. 2-7 and 9 as including aflexible wall 204 that can be formed in any suitable manner and from anysuitable material or combination of materials. For example, the flexiblewall can include one or more fabric-reinforced, elastomeric plies orlayers and/or one or more un-reinforced, elastomeric plies or layers.Typically, one or more fabric-reinforced, elastomeric plies and one ormore un-reinforced, elastomeric plies will be used together and formedfrom a common elastomeric material, such as a synthetic rubber, anatural rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. In other cases, however, acombination of two or more different materials, two or more compounds ofsimilar materials, or two or more grades of the same material could beused.

Flexible wall 204 can extend in a generally longitudinal directionbetween opposing ends 206 and 208. Additionally, flexible wall 204 caninclude an outer surface 210 and an inner surface 212. The inner surfacecan at least partially define spring chamber 202 of gas spring assemblyGS1. Flexible wall 204 can include an outer or cover ply (notidentified) that at least partially forms outer surface 210. Flexiblewall 204 can also include an inner or liner ply (not identified) that atleast partially forms inner surface 212. In some cases, flexible wall204 can further include one or more reinforcing plies disposed betweenouter and inner surfaces 210 and 212. The one or more reinforcing pliescan be of any suitable construction and/or configuration. For example,the one or more reinforcing plies can include one or more lengths offilament material that are at least partially embedded therein.Additionally, it will be appreciated that the one or more lengths offilament material, if provided, can be oriented in any suitable manner.As one example, the flexible wall can include at least one layer or plywith lengths of filament material oriented at one bias angle and atleast one layer or ply with lengths of filament material oriented at anequal but opposite bias angle.

Flexible spring member 200 can include any feature or combination offeatures suitable for forming a substantially fluid-tight connectionwith end member 300 and/or end member 400. As one example, flexiblespring member 200 can include a mounting bead 214 disposed along end 206of flexible wall 204 and a mounting bead 216 disposed along end 208 ofthe flexible wall. In some cases, the mounting bead, if provided, can,optionally, include a reinforcing element, such as an endless, annularbead wire 218, for example.

Gas spring and gas damper assembly AS1 can be disposed betweenassociated sprung and unsprung masses of an associated vehicle in anysuitable manner. For example, one component can be operatively connectedto the associated sprung mass with another component disposed toward andoperatively connected to the associated unsprung mass. As illustrated inFIG. 6, for example, end member 300 can be operatively disposed along afirst or upper structural component USC, such as associated vehicle bodyBDY in FIG. 1, for example, and can be secured thereon in any suitablemanner. As another example, damper housing 500 can be operativelydisposed along a second or lower structural component LSC, such as oneof associated axles AXL in FIG. 1, for example, and can be securedthereon in any suitable manner.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the end members can be of anysuitable type, kind, construction and/or configuration, and can beoperatively connected or otherwise secured to the flexible spring memberin any suitable manner. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-4,6, 7 and 9, for example, end member 300 is of a type commonly referredto as a bead plate and includes an end member wall 302 with an innerwall portion 304 and an outer peripheral wall portion 306. End member300 is disposed along end 206 of flexible wall 204 with outer peripheralwall portion 306 crimped or otherwise deformed around at least a portionof mounting bead 214 such that a substantially fluid-tight seal can beformed between flexible spring member 200 and end member 300. Inner wallportion 304 can have an approximately planar outer surface 308dimensioned to abuttingly engage an associated structural component(e.g., upper structural component USC). Inner wall portion 304 can alsohave an approximately planar inner surface 310 disposed in facingrelation to spring chamber 202.

As indicated above, end member 300 can be disposed in operativeengagement on or along first or upper structural component USC (FIG. 6),such as associated vehicle body BDY in FIG. 1, for example, and can besecured thereon in any suitable manner. For example, one or moresecurement devices, such as mounting studs 312, for example, can beincluded along end member 300. In some cases, mounting studs 312 caninclude a section 314 dimensioned for attachment to end member wall 302in a suitable manner, such as, for example, by way of a flowed-materialjoint or a press-fit connection.

Additionally, mounting studs 312 can include a section 316 that extendsaxially from along section 314 and can include one or more helicalthreads 318. Section 316 can be dimensioned to extend throughcorresponding mounting holes HLS (FIG. 6) in upper structural componentUSC (FIG. 6) and can receive one or more securement devices (e.g.,threaded nuts) 320. Mounting studs 312 can also include a section 322that extends axially from along section 314 in a direction oppositesection 316. As such, section 322 can extend into spring chamber 202 andcan include one or more helical threads 324 dimensioned to receive oneor more threaded nuts or other securement devices, such as, for example,may be used to secure one or more devices and/or components of end mount700 on or along inside surface 310 of end member 300, for example.

Furthermore, one or more fluid communication ports or transfer passagescan optionally be provided to permit fluid communication with the springchamber, such as may be used for transferring pressurized gas intoand/or out of the spring chamber, for example. In some cases, a transferpassage can extend through one or more of the mounting studs. In othercases, such as is shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, for example, end member 300can include a passage fitting 326 that can be secured on or along endmember wall 302 in a substantially fluid-tight manner, such as by way ofa flowed-material joint 328, for example. A transfer passage 330 canextend through end member wall 302 and passage fitting 326 that is influid communication with spring chamber 212. It will be appreciated,however, that any other suitable fluid communication arrangement couldalternately be used.

End member 400 is shown as being disposed in axially-spaced relation toend member 300, and as including features associated with a type of endmember commonly referred to as a piston (or a roll-off piston). It willbe recognized that a wide variety of sizes, shapes, profiles and/orconfigurations can and have been used in forming end members of the typeand kind referred to as pistons or roll-off pistons, such as end member400, for example. As such, it will be appreciated that the walls and/orwall portions of the end member can be of any suitable shape, profileand/or configuration, such as may be useful to provide one or moredesired performance characteristics, for example, and that the profileshown in FIGS. 2-11 and 13-18 is merely exemplary.

End member 400 can extend lengthwise between opposing ends 402 and 404that are axially spaced from one another. End member 400 can include anend member wall 406 that can have a first or outer side wall portion 408that extends in a generally axial direction and includes an outsidesurface 410 and an inside surface 412. End member 400 can also include asecond or inner side wall portion 414 that also extends in a generallyaxial direction. Inner side wall portion 414 is spaced radially inwardfrom outer side wall portion 408 and includes an outside surface 416 andan inside surface 418. In a preferred arrangement, inside surface 418 ofinner side wall portion 414 can at least partially define an innercavity 420 within end member 400.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-11 and 13-18, end member 400includes an outer cavity 422 extending into the end member betweeninside surface 412 of outer side wall portion 408 and outside surface416 of inner side wall portion 414. In some cases, one or more supportwall portions 424 can extend between and operatively interconnect theouter and inner side wall portions. Additionally, in some cases, one ormore bosses or projections can be provided on or along the end memberwall, such as may be suitable for including one or more securementdevices and/or securement features. In the exemplary arrangement shownin FIGS. 2-11 and 13-18, for example, end member wall 406 can includeboss wall portions 426 that can be formed or otherwise disposed alongone or more of outer side wall portion 408, inner side wall portion 414and/or support wall portions 424, for example. In some cases, one ormore securement features (e.g., threaded passages) can extend into or beotherwise formed on or along the boss wall portions. In other cases, oneor more securement devices 428, such as threaded metal inserts, forexample, can be at least partially embedded within one of more of bosswall portions 426. It will be appreciated, however, that otherconfigurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

End member wall 406 can also include an end wall portion 430 that canextend across and/or between any combination of one or more of outerside wall portion 408, inner side wall portion 414 and/or support wallportions 424. End wall portion 430 can be oriented transverse to axis AXand can at least partially form a closed end of inner cavity 420 of theend member. Additionally, end wall portion 430 can include opposingsurfaces 432 and 434. As indicated above, it will be appreciated thatthe one or more end members of the gas spring and gas damper assemblycan be operatively connected or otherwise secured to the flexible springmember in any suitable manner. In the case of end member 400, end memberwall 406 can, for example, include an outer surface 436 that extendsperipherally about axis AX and is dimensioned to receive mounting bead216 disposed along end 208 of the flexible wall 204 such that asubstantially fluid-tight seal can be formed therebetween. In somecases, a retaining ridge 438 can project radially outward beyond outersurface 436 and can extend peripherally along at least a portionthereof, such as may assist in retaining end 208 of flexible wall 204 inabutting engagement on or along the end member.

In an assembled condition, outer surface 210 of flexible wall 204 can bedisposed in abutting engagement with outside surface 410 of outer sidewall portion 408. In such an arrangement, flexible wall 204 of flexiblespring member 200 can form a rolling lobe 220 along outside surface 410of outer side wall portion 408. As gas spring and gas damper assemblyAS1 is displaced between compressed and extended conditions, rollinglobe 220 can be displaced along outer surface 410 in a generallyconventional manner.

As mentioned above, a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include one ormore elongated gas damping passages through which pressurized gas canflow to generate pressurized gas damping to dissipate kinetic energyacting on the gas spring and gas damper assembly. It will be appreciatedthat such one or more elongated gas damping passages can be of anysuitable size, shape, configuration and/or arrangement. Additionally, itwill be appreciated that any number of one or more features and/orcomponents can be used, either alone or in combination with one another,to form or otherwise establish such one or more elongated gas dampingpassages.

As indicated above, a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include one ormore elongated gas damping passages fluidically connected between thespring chamber and one or more damping chambers or damping chamberportions. In such constructions, pressurized gas damping performanceexceeding that provided by conventional gas damping orifice designs canbe achieved through the use of such one or more elongated gas dampingpassages, particularly with respect to a given or otherwisepredetermined range of frequencies of vibration or other dynamic input.

Generally, the one or more elongated gas damping passages can bedimensioned such that pressurized gas flows into, out of and/orotherwise is displaced within the elongated gas damping passage orpassages. As a result, such pressurized gas flow can generatepressurized gas damping of vibrations and/or other dynamic inputs actingon the overall assembly and/or system. In a preferred arrangement, suchpressurized gas damping can be configured for or otherwise targeted todissipate vibrations and/or other dynamic inputs having a particular,predetermined natural frequency or within a particular, predeterminerange of frequencies.

As discussed above, a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include one ormore elongated gas damping passages in fluid communication between thespring chamber and one or more damping chambers or damping chamberportions. Differential pressure between the volumes can induce gas flowalong at least a portion of the length of the elongated gas dampingpassage. It will be appreciated that such movement of the pressurizedgas within and/or through an elongated gas damping passage can act todissipate kinetic energy acting on the assembly and/or system.

It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional area and overall lengthof the elongated gas damping passage can be dimensioned, sized and/orotherwise configured to generate gas flow having sufficient mass andsufficient velocity to achieve the desired level of pressurized gasdamping. Additionally, in a preferred arrangement, the elongated gasdamping passages can be dimensioned, sized and/or otherwise configuredsuch that one or more performance characteristics, such as peak LossStiffness, for example, of the system occur at approximately a desiredor target frequency or otherwise within a desired or targeted frequencyrange. Non-limiting examples of targeted frequency ranges can includevibrations from 1-4 Hz, vibrations from 8-12 Hz and vibrations from15-25 Hz.

In the exemplary construction shown in FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 13-18, endmember wall 406 of end member 400 can include a plurality of recesses440 that can extend into end member wall 406 from along surface 432.Recesses 440 are shown as being disposed in peripherally spaced relationto one another about axis AX. The recesses are also shown as beingspaced radially outward from the axis toward outer surface 436 andvarying in size and shape relative to one another. In a preferredarrangement, recesses 440 are blind recesses and include a bottomsurface 442 such that the recesses do not extend or otherwise form apassage through end member wall 406.

End member wall 406 of end member 400 can include an opening or passage444 extending through end wall portion 430 between surfaces 432 and 434.In a preferred arrangement, passage 444 can be oriented in approximatelyco-axial alignment with axis AX. Also, in a preferred arrangement,passage 444 can be dimensioned to receive and permit one or morecomponents of gas damper assembly GD1 to extend through end wall portion430, as discussed in greater detail below.

End member 400 can also include a passage or port 446 extending into andat least partially through end wall portion 430 of end member wall 406from along surface 432. In a preferred arrangement, passage 446 isdisposed radially outward of opening 444 and adjacent or otherwisetoward outer surface 436 of end wall portion 430. As discussed above, agas spring and gas damper assembly in accordance with the subject matterof the present disclosure can further include an elongated dampingpassage extending between and fluidically connecting the spring chamberand one or more damping chambers or damping chamber portions. As oneexample of a suitable construction, end member 400 can include anelongated damping passage 448 extending into, through or otherwise alongat least a portion of end wall portion 430 of end member wall 406. In apreferred arrangement, elongated damping passage 448 has a first end 450disposed in fluid communication with port 446 and a second end 452disposed radially inward of port 446. In other cases, the passage orport could be disposed radially inward adjacent or otherwise towardpassage 444 with the second end of the elongated damping passagedisposed radially outward of the first end.

In either case, it will be appreciated that elongated damping passage448 can be of any suitable shape, form, configuration and/orarrangement. In a preferred arrangement, elongated damping passage 448can have a spiral-like or similar configuration. In such case, theelongated damping passage can be at least partially formed by a passagesurface 454 that has a cross-sectional profile. In some cases, thecross-sectional profile can vary along the length of the elongateddamping passage. In a preferred arrangement, however, thecross-sectional profile can be of an approximately uniform size, shapeand configuration along the length of the elongated damping passage,such as is shown in FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 16-18, for example. Thecross-sectional profile is taken from an orientation that is normal,perpendicular or at least transverse to the spiral-like path of theelongated damping passage. That is, the cross-sectional profile isoriented transverse to axis AX and is substantially-continuously rotatedabout the axis with the cross-sectional profilesubstantially-continuously displaced radially outward from adjacent axisAX to form the spiral-like configuration. In a preferred arrangement,such rotation of the cross-sectional profile of passage surface 454 canoccur in an approximately single plane such that the spiral-likeconfiguration of elongated damping passage 448 is disposed in a commonplane that is oriented transverse to longitudinal axis AX.

In some cases, the cross-sectional profile of passage surface 454 can beendless or otherwise fully enclosed. In such cases, the correspondingelongated damping passage can be substantially-entirely embedded withinthe end wall portion of the end member wall. In other cases, thecross-sectional profile of passage surface 454 can be open (i.e., notfully enclosed). In such cases, the corresponding elongated dampingpassage can be open along one or more surfaces of end wall portion 430of end member wall 406. For example, the cross-sectional profile ofpassage surface 454 is shown as having an approximately U-shapedcross-sectional configuration. As such, elongated damping passage 448 isformed within end wall portion 430 of end member wall 406 as an openchannel that is accessible from along surface 434 of the end wallportion. It will be appreciated, however, that other configurationsand/or arrangements could alternately be used. For example, across-sectional profile in a C-shaped configuration could be used.

With reference, now, to gas damper assembly GD1, damper housing 500 isoperatively engaged with end member 400 and at least partially defines adamping chamber 502 on, along and/or within at least a portion of endmember 400. Additionally, damper housing 500 secured on or along endmember 400 such that forces and loads acting on one of upper and lowerstructural components USC and LSC can be transmitted or otherwisecommunicated to the other of upper and lower structural components USCand LSC at least partially through gas spring and gas damper assemblyAS1.

Damper housing 500 can include or be otherwise formed from anycombination of one or more components and/or devices. For example,damper housing 500 can include a housing sleeve 504 that can be at leastpartially formed from a sleeve wall 506 that extends axially betweenopposing ends 508 and 510. Sleeve wall 506 can extend peripherally aboutaxis AX and can, in some case, have an approximately uniform wallthickness. Additionally, in some cases, sleeve wall 506 can have anapproximately circular cross-sectional profile such that the innersleeve is approximately cylindrical in overall shape. It will beappreciated, however, that other configurations and/or arrangementscould alternately be used. Additionally, sleeve wall 506 includes anouter surface 512 that extends substantially-continuously around andalong housing sleeve 504. In a preferred arrangement, sleeve wall 506 isdimensioned to be received within inner cavity 420 of end member 400with outer surface 512 disposed in facing relation to inside surface 418of inner side wall portion 414. Sleeve wall 506 can also include aninner surface 514 that extends substantially-continuously around andalong housing sleeve 504 and can at least partially define dampingchamber 502.

As discussed above, gas spring and gas damper assembly AS1 isdisplaceable, during use in normal operation, between extended andcompressed conditions. During such displacement pressurized gas flowbetween spring chamber 202 and damping chamber 502 through elongateddamping passage 448 generates pressurized gas damping. In cases in whichthe cross-sectional profile of the elongated damping passage can beendless or otherwise fully enclosed such that the correspondingelongated damping passage is substantially-entirely embedded within theend wall portion of the end member wall. In other cases, thecross-sectional profile of elongated damping passage 448 can be open orotherwise not fully enclosed. In such cases, damper housing 500 caninclude an end plate 516 that can extend across and at least partiallyenclose elongated damping passage 448.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 12, for example, end plate 516 can takethe form of a substantially planar wall having an outer peripheral edge518 and opposing side surfaces 520 and 522. End plate 516 can alsoinclude an inner peripheral edge 524 that at least partially defines ahole or opening 526 extending therethrough. In a preferred arrangement,hole 526 can be positioned approximately centrally on end plate 516 andcan be dimensioned to receive and permit one or more components of gasdamper assembly GD1 to extend through end wall portion 430, as discussedin greater detail below. End plate 516 can also include a passage orport 528 extending therethrough that is dimensioned for fluidcommunication with second end 452 of elongated damping passage 448. Toaid in aligning port 528 with second end 452 of the elongated dampingpassage during assembly and maintaining such an alignment during use,end plate 516 can include one or more indexing or alignment featuresthat operatively engage one or more other features and/or components ofend member 400 and/or damper housing 500. For example, end member 400could include one or more projections 456 or other indexing featuresthat extend axially outwardly from along surface 434 of end wall portion430. End plate 516 can include one or more indexing holes 530 thatextend through the end plate and are cooperative with projections 456 toorient and align end plate 516 relative to end wall portion 430 of endmember wall 406. Additionally, or as an alternative, one or more holesor openings could be included on or along the end wall portion of theend member wall, and one or more projections could be included on oralong the end plate. In any case, cooperative engagement of alignment orindexing features (e.g., projections 456) of end member 400 withalignment or indexing features (e.g., indexing holes 530) of end plate516 can aid in assembly and assist in ensuring that port 528 and secondend 452 of elongated damping passage 448 are at least approximatelyaligned and in fluid communication with one another.

It will be appreciated that end plate 516 can be secured on or alongsurface 434 of end wall portion 430 of end member wall 406 in anysuitable manner and/or through the use of any combination of one or morefeatures and/or components. For example, end plate 516 can be disposedbetween end member 400 and housing sleeve 504 such that surface 520 isdisposed in facing relation with surface 434 of end wall portion 430. Insuch case, end 508 of housing sleeve 504 can abuttingly engage the endplate along outer peripheral edge 518 to retain the end plate inposition relative to the end wall portion of the end member wall.

Additionally, or in the alternative, damper housing 500 can include asupport ring 532 that can be secured on or along end wall portion 430 ofend member wall 406 in operative engagement with end plate 516 to atleast partially retain the end plate on or along surface 434 of the endwall portion. Support ring 532 can include an annular wall with a firstouter surface portion 534 having a first cross-sectional size ordimension that is cooperative with passage 444 in end wall portion 430of end member wall 406. Support ring 532 can also include a second outersurface portion 536 that is spaced axially from the first outer surfaceportion and has a second cross-sectional size or dimension that isgreater than the first cross-sectional size or dimension of first outersurface portion 534 such that a shoulder surface portion 538 extendsradially therebetween.

Support ring 532 can be installed on end wall portion 430 of end memberwall 406 with first outer surface portion 534 at least partiallydisposed within passage 444 and can be secured on the end wall portionin any suitable manner, such as by way of a threaded connection, apress-fit connection and/or a flowed-material joint, for example. Insuch case, support ring 532 can at least partially secure end plate 516on or along end wall portion 430. For example, first outer surfaceportion 534 can extend through opening 526 in end plate 516 such thatshoulder surface portion 538 can abuttingly engage the end plate alonginner peripheral edge 524. Support ring 532 can also include an innersurface 540 that at least partially defines a passage or opening 542extending through support ring 532 between opposing end surfaces 544 and546. In an installed condition, passage 542 dimensioned to receive andpermit one or more components of gas damper assembly GD1 to extendthrough end wall portion 430, as discussed in greater detail below.

In cases in which the cross-sectional profile of passage surface 454 isopen or otherwise not fully enclosed, it may be desirable substantiallyinhibit or at least reduce pressurized gas transfer between adjacentrings or other sections of elongated damping passage 448 along surface434. It will be appreciated that inhibiting or at least reducing suchundesirable pressurized gas transfer may promote pressurized gas flowalong elongated damping passage 448 and, thus, provide improved gasdamping performance. It will be appreciated that such undesirablepressurized gas transfer can be inhibited or otherwise reduced in anysuitable manner and through the use of any suitable components, featuresand/or elements. As one example, one or more sealing elements could bedisposed between surface 434 of end wall portion 430 and surface 520 ofend plate 516 to at least partially form a substantially fluid-tightseal therebetween. As another example, a flowed material joint could beformed between the surface of the end wall portion and the surface ofthe end plate. Such sealing arrangements are collectively schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 8 by dashed lines 548.

As described above, a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include anelongated damping passage extending between and fluidically connectingthe spring chamber and one or more damping chambers or damping chamberportions. Another example of a suitable construction is shown in FIG. 9Aas including an end member 400′ and an end plate 516′. It will beappreciated that end member 400′ and end plate 516′ represent analternate construction to that shown and described above in connectionwith end member 400 and end plate 516 in FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 12-18. Itwill be appreciated that the foregoing description of end member 400 andend plate 516 are broadly applicable to end member 400′ and end plate516′ unless set forth and described differently herein. Additionally,unless otherwise stated, end plate 516′ can be assembled together withother parts and/or components of damper housing 500 as has beendescribed herein in connection with end plate 516.

End member 400′ can include an end member wall 406′ with an end wallportion 430′ that can extend across and/or between any combination ofone or more of outer side wall portion 408, inner side wall portion 414and/or support wall portions 424. End wall portion 430′ can be orientedtransverse to axis AX and can at least partially form a closed end ofinner cavity 420 of the end member. Additionally, end wall portion 430′can include opposing surfaces 432′ and 434′. End member wall 406′ of endmember 400′ can include an opening or passage 444′ extending through endwall portion 430′ between surfaces 432′ and 434′. In a preferredarrangement, passage 444′ can be oriented in approximately co-axialalignment with axis AX. End member 400′ can also include a passage orport 446′ extending through end wall portion 430′ of end member wall406′. In a preferred arrangement, passage 446′ is disposed radiallyoutward of opening 444′. End member 400′ can further include one or moreprojections 456′ or other indexing features operative to engage one ormore corresponding indexing or alignment features of end plate 516′.

End plate 516′ includes an outer peripheral edge 518′ and opposing sidesurfaces 520′ and 522′. End plate 516′ can also include an innerperipheral edge 524′ that at least partially defines a hole or opening(not numbered) extending therethrough. In a preferred arrangement, thehole can be positioned approximately centrally on end plate 516′ and canbe dimensioned to receive and permit one or more components of gasdamper assembly GD1 to extend through end wall portion 430′. To aid inaligning end plate 516′ with one or more corresponding features of endmember 400′, end plate 516′ can include one or more indexing oralignment features, such as one or more indexing holes 530′ that extendat least partially into the end plate and are cooperative withprojections 456′ to orient and align end plate 516′ relative to end wallportion 430′ of end member wall 406′.

It will be recognized and appreciated that end wall portion 430′ and endplate 516′ differ from end wall portion 430 and end plate 516 in that anelongated damping passage 596′ extends into, through or otherwise alongat least a portion of end plate 516′ rather than on or along end wallportion 430′. Additionally, end plate 516′ includes a passage or port598′ extending through the end plate. In a preferred arrangement,elongated damping passage 596′ has a first end 596A′ disposed in fluidcommunication with port 598′ and a second end 596B′ disposed in fluidcommunication with port 446′. Additionally, it will be appreciated thatelongated damping passage 596′ can be of any suitable shape, form,configuration and/or arrangement. In a preferred arrangement, elongateddamping passage 596′ can have a spiral-like or similar configuration,such as has been described above in detail in connection with elongateddamping passage 448.

In some cases, the cross-sectional profile of elongated damping passage596′ can be endless or otherwise fully enclosed. In such cases, theelongated damping passage can be substantially-entirely embedded withinthe end plate. In other cases, the cross-sectional profile of elongateddamping passage 596′ can be open (i.e., not fully enclosed). In suchcases, the corresponding elongated damping passage can be open along oneor more surfaces of end plate 516′, such as has been described above indetail in connection with elongated damping passage 448. In such cases,it may be desirable substantially inhibit or at least reduce pressurizedgas transfer between adjacent rings or other sections of elongateddamping passage 596′ along surface 520′, such as has been describedabove. It will be appreciated that such undesirable pressurized gastransfer can be inhibited or otherwise reduced in any suitable mannerand through the use of any suitable components, features and/orelements. As one example, one or more sealing elements could be disposedbetween surface 434′ of end wall portion 430′ and surface 520′ of endplate 516′ to at least partially form a substantially fluid-tight sealtherebetween. As another example, a flowed material joint could beformed between the surface of the end wall portion and the surface ofthe end plate. Such sealing arrangements are collectively schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 9A by dashed lines 599′.

With reference, now, to FIGS. 2-7, 9, 11 and 19-22, damper housing 500can also include an end cap 550 operatively disposed along end 510 ofhousing sleeve 504 and secured thereto such that gas spring and gasdamper assembly AS1 can function to transfer forces and loads betweenupper and lower structural components USC and LSC, as discussed above.End cap 550 can be configured to secure gas spring and gas damperassembly AS1 on or along an associated structural component, such aslower structural component LSC, for example. It will be appreciated anysuitable combination of features, elements and/or components can be usedto form such a connection. As one example, the end cap can include aspherical bearing or other similar component operatively connectedbetween the end cap mount and the associated structural component (e.g.,lower structural component LSC). As another example, end cap 550 caninclude an end cap wall 552 that includes a passage (not numbered)formed therethrough generally transverse to axis AX. End cap wall 552can function as an outer support element and an inner support element554 can be disposed within the passage. An elastomeric connector element556 can be permanently attached (i.e., inseparable without damage,destruction or material alteration of at least one of the componentparts) between end cap wall 552 and inner support element 554 to form anelastomeric bushing 558 suitable for pivotally mounting assembly AS1 onor along the associated structural component.

End cap wall 552 can include a base wall portion 560 orientedapproximately transverse to axis AX and a side wall portion 562 thatextends axially from along base wall portion 560 toward a distal edge564. Base wall portion 560 can have a base surface 566 and side wallportion 562 can have an inner side surface 568. Base wall portion 560and side wall portion 562 can at least partially define an end capcavity 570 that is dimensioned to receive end 510 of housing sleeve 504with outer surface 512 disposed in facing relation to inner side surface568 of side wall portion 562. In some cases, damper housing 500 can alsoinclude an end plate 572 in the form of a substantially planar wallhaving an outer peripheral edge 574 and opposing side surfaces 576 and578. It will be appreciated that end plate 572 can be secured on oralong end cap 550 in any suitable manner and/or through the use of anycombination of one or more features and/or components. For example, endplate 572 can be disposed between end cap 550 and housing sleeve 504such that side surface 578 is disposed in facing relation with basesurface 566 of end cap wall 552. In such case, end 510 of housing sleeve504 can abuttingly engage end plate 572 along outer peripheral edge 574to retain the end plate in position relative to end cap wall 552 of theend cap.

In a preferred arrangement, spring chamber 202 and damping chamber 502are in fluid communication with one another through one of elongateddamping passages 448 and 596′ together with any associated ports orpassages. As such, it may be desirable to maintain spring chamber 202and damping chamber 502 in fluidic isolation with respect to an externalatmosphere ATM. In such cases, gas damper assembly GD1 substantiallyfluid-tight seals can be formed in any suitable manner between endmember 400 and components of the gas damper assembly and/or between twoor more components of gas damper assembly GD1. For example, one or moresealing elements 580 can be fluidically disposed between inner side wallportion 414 of end member wall 406 and housing sleeve 504 such that asubstantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. It will beappreciated that sealing elements 580 can be secured on, along orotherwise between such components in any suitable manner. For example,one or more annular grooves 582 can extend into inner side wall portion414 from along inside surface 418 thereof that are dimensioned toreceive and retain the sealing elements. As another example, one or moresealing elements 584 can be fluidically disposed between side wallportion 562 of end cap wall 552 and housing sleeve 504 such that asubstantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. It will beappreciated that sealing elements 584 can be secured on, along orotherwise between such components in any suitable manner. For example,one or more annular grooves 586 can extend into side wall portion 562from along inner side surface 568 thereof that are dimensioned toreceive and retain the sealing elements.

Additionally, end cap wall 552 can include one or more passages 588formed therethrough. Passages 588 can be oriented in approximatealignment with axis AX. Additionally, in a preferred arrangement,passages 588 can be disposed in approximate alignment with securementdevices 428 of boss wall portions 426 on end member 400. In such case,securement devices 590 (e.g., threaded fasteners) can extend throughpassages 588 and into engagement with securement devices 428 to attachand secure end cap 550 on or along at least one of end member 400 andhousing sleeve 504.

In some cases, one or more jounce bumpers can be included to inhibitcontact between one or more features and/or components of assembly AS1.For example, a jounce bumper 592 can be disposed within a portion ofdamping chamber 502, such as by securement on or along second outersurface portion 536 of support ring 532, for example, to substantiallyinhibit contact between a component of damper rod assembly 600 and oneor more of end member 400, end plate 516 and support ring 532 during afull rebound condition of assembly AS1. Additionally, or in thealternative, a jounce bumper 594 can be disposed within a portion ofdamping chamber 502, such as by securement on or along a component ofdamper rod assembly 600, for example, to substantially inhibit contactbetween components of the damper rod assembly and end cap 550 and/or endplate 572 during a full jounce condition of assembly AS1.

Damper rod assembly 600 includes an elongated damper rod 602 and adamper piston 604. Damper rod 602 extends longitudinally from an end 606to an end 608. End 606 of damper rod 602 can include a securementfeature dimensioned for operatively connecting the damper rod on oralong end member 300. As one example, damper rod 602 can include one ormore helical threads disposed along end 606. Damper piston 604 can bedisposed along end 608 of damper rod 602 and can be attached orotherwise connected thereto in any suitable manner. For example, thedamper piston could be integrally formed with the damper rod. As anotherexample, end 608 of damper rod 602 could include a securement feature,such as one or more helical threads, for example. In such case, damperpiston 604 could be provided separately and could include a passage orhole (not numbered) into which end 608 of damper rod 602 can be secured.In a preferred arrangement, a blind passage or hole can be used toassist in maintaining fluidic isolation across damper piston 604.

In an assembled condition, damper rod assembly 600 is disposed along gasspring assembly GS1 such that damper piston 604 is received withindamping chamber 502 of damper housing 500. In such case, damper rod 602can extend through the passage 542 formed by support ring 532 and suchthat end 606 of damper rod 602 is disposed out of damping chamber 502.In such cases, support ring 532 can function as a bearing or bushingelement operative to reduce frictional engagement on or along damper rod602. In some cases, a sealing element (not shown) and/or a wear bushing(not shown) can optionally be included on or along the support ring.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that damper piston 604 separatesdamping chamber 502 into damping chamber portions 502A and 502B disposedalong opposing sides of the damper piston. In some cases, a sealingelement 610 can be disposed between an outer peripheral wall 612 ofdamper piston 604 and inner surface 514 of housing sleeve 504. It willbe recognized, however, that in some cases significant frictional forcesmay be generated by the sealing arrangements described above inconnection with the interface between damper piston 604 and innersurface 514 as well as in connection with the interface between an outersurface 614 of damper rod 602 and support ring 532. In some cases, itmay be desirable to avoid or at least reduce such frictional forces (orfor other reasons) by forgoing the use of sealing elements along eitheror both interfaces. In such cases, one or more friction reducingbushings or wear bands can, optionally, be disposed therebetween.

Damper rod 602 is shown in FIGS. 7-9, 9A and 9B as taking the form of ahollow rod or tube having a rod wall 616 that includes an inner surface618 that at least partially defines a tube passage 620 extendinglengthwise through damper rod 602. In a preferred arrangement, one ormore ports or passages 622 (FIGS. 7 and 9) can be disposed along end 606of damper rod 602 such that tube passage 620 is disposed in fluidcommunication with spring chamber 202 through ports 622. Additionally,or in the alternative, ports or passages 624 (FIG. 9B) can extendthrough rod wall 616 such that tube passage 620 is disposed in fluidcommunication with spring chamber 202 through ports 624. Furthermore, ina preferred arrangement, one or more ports or passages 626 can bedisposed along end 608 of the damper rod and/or extend through damperpiston 604 such that tube passage 620 is disposed in fluid communicationwith damping chamber portion 502B through ports 624. In such case, ports622 and/or 624 together with tube passage 620 and ports 626 can form areturn gas flow passage as pressurized gas flows through into or out ofdamping chamber portion 502A during dynamic use in operation of gasspring and gas damper assembly AS1.

As described above, a gas spring and gas damper assembly in accordancewith the subject matter of the present disclosure can include anelongated damping passage extending between and fluidically connectingthe spring chamber and one or more damping chambers or damping chamberportions. A gas spring and gas damper in accordance with the subjectmatter of the present disclosure can include an additional, or asanother alternate construction, an elongated damping passage 628 thatcan be at least partially formed within tube passage 620. As shown inFIG. 9B, damper rod 602 can, optionally, include one or more ports orpassages 630 disposed toward end 606 and one or more ports or passages632 disposed toward end 608. A damping passage body 634 can be disposedwithin tube passage 620, and can include an inside surface 636 thatdefines an elongated insert passage 638 extending lengthwise through thedamping passage body. An outside surface 640 extends along dampingpassage body 634 and is dimensioned for receipt within tube passage 620.A helical channel (not separately numbered) extends radially inward intodamping passage body 634 from along outside surface 640 between a firstchannel end 642 disposed in fluid communication with port 630 and asecond channel end 644 disposed in fluid communication with port 632. Itwill be appreciated that damping passage body 634 can be retained on oralong tube passage 620 in any manner suitable for retaining the firstand second channel ends in fluid communication with ports 630 and 632,respectively.

During dynamic use in operation, pressurized gas transfer throughelongated damping passage 628 can provide pressurized gas damping inaddition to pressurized gas damping associated with elongated dampingpassage 448 or 596′, such as may be useful for generating pressurizedgas damping to dissipate kinetic energy from vibrations or other inputsacting on the gas spring and gas damper assembly at two differentnatural frequencies or two different targeted natural frequency ranges.Non-limiting examples of targeted frequency ranges can includevibrations from 1-4 Hz, vibrations from 8-12 Hz and vibrations from15-25 Hz.

It will be appreciated, that the movement of associated structuralcomponents relative to one another, as described above, can be due tovariations in load conditions and/or result from road inputs and/orother impact conditions (e.g., jounce conditions), as is well understoodby those of skill in the art. Additionally, it will be recognized andappreciated that gas spring and gas damper assemblies, such as assemblyAS1, for example, and/or components thereof will typically move relativeto one another in a curvilinear, rotational, arcuate, angular or othernon-linear manner. As such, a pivotal mount, such as elastomeric bushing558, for example, can be used to permit some movement of gas spring andgas damper assembly AS1 relative to lower structural component LSC. Inmany cases, a gas spring is also capable of accommodating non-linearmovement of the upper and lower structural components relative to oneanother. However, in constructions in which an elongated damping rod orother similar component extends through the spring chamber andoperatively connects the end members of the gas spring, a mountingassembly can be included that permits pivotal motion between at leastone of the end members and the elongated damping rod to accommodate thenon-linear movement of the associated structural components relative toone another.

One example of an end mount assembly 700 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 asbeing secured along end member 300 and operatively connected to end 606of elongated damper rod 602. End mount assembly 700 can include amounting bracket 702 that can be secured on or along end member 300 in asuitable manner. For example, mounting bracket 702 can operativelyengage section 322 of mounting studs 312 and can be secured thereon bysuitable securement devices, such as threaded fasteners 704 operativelyengaging helical threads 324, for example. Mounting bracket 702 can atleast partially define a mounting cavity 706 with end member 300. Endmount assembly 700 can also include an inner mounting element 708dimensioned for securement on or along end 606 of damper rod 602. Itwill be appreciated that inner mounting element 708 can be of anysuitable size, shape and/or configuration. As one example, innermounting element 708 can include an element wall 710 with a connectorportion 712 dimensioned for securement to the damper rod and a flangeportion 714 projecting radially outward from connector portion 712.Flange portion 714 has a first side 716 facing toward connection portion712 and a second side 718 facing away from the connector portion andtoward end member 300.

End mount assembly 700 can include a first plurality of bushing elements720 disposed along first side 716 of flange portion 714 of the innermounting element. In a preferred arrangement, bushing elements 720 aredisposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another about axis AXand/or about first side 716 of flange portion 714. End mount assembly700 can also include a second plurality of bushing elements 722 disposedalong second side 718 of flange portion 714 of the inner mountingelement. Again, in a preferred arrangement, bushing elements 722 aredisposed in peripherally-spaced relation to one another about axis AXand/or about second side 718 of the flange portion of the inner mountingelement. In a preferred arrangement, a common quantity of bushingelements 720 and 722 can be used with the bushing elements disposed inan approximately uniform spacing or pattern about axis AX and/or alongthe respective side of the flange portion of inner mounting element 708.Additionally, in a preferred arrangement, bushing elements 720 and 722can be arranged on opposing sides of flange portion 714 in aninterleaved or otherwise alternating pattern or configuration withrespect to one another. It will be appreciated, however, that otherconfigurations and/or arrangements could alternately be used.

In some cases, end mount assembly 700 can, optionally, include a thirdplurality of bushing elements 724 disposed along one side of the flangeportion of the inner mounting element. In the arrangement shown in FIGS.7 and 9, for example, bushing elements 724 are disposed along secondside 718 of flange portion 714. Bushing elements 724 are shown as beingdisposed in peripherally-spaced relation with one another about axis AXand/or along the second side of the flange portion. Additionally,bushing elements 724 are shown as being positioned radially inwardrelative to bushing elements 722 with bushing elements 724 interleavedor otherwise disposed between adjacent ones of bushing elements 722.

It will be appreciated that bushing elements 720 and 722 as well asbushing elements 724, if included, can be formed from any suitablematerial or combination of materials. In a preferred arrangement,bushing elements 720 and 722 as well as bushing elements 724, ifincluded, can be formed from an elastomeric material, such as a naturalrubber, a synthetic rubber and/or a thermoplastic elastomer. As oneexample, such an elastomeric material could have a Shore A durometerwithin a range of approximately 50 to approximately 90.

It will be appreciated that bushing elements 720 and 722 as well asbushing elements 724, if included, can be secured on or along flangeportion 714 of inner mounting element 708 in any suitable manner. Insome cases, one or more of the bushing elements can be removablyattached to the flange portion of the inner mounting element. In apreferred arrangement, however, some or all of bushing elements 720 and722 as well as bushing elements 724, if provided, can be permanentlyattached (i.e., inseparable without damage, destruction or materialalteration of at least one of the component parts) to flange portion714. It will be appreciated that such permanent joints or connectionscan be formed by way of any one or more processes and/or can include theuse of one or more treatments and/or materials. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable processes can include molding, adhering, curing and/orvulcanizing processes.

In some cases, bushing elements 720 and 722 as well as bushing elements724, if included, can be disposed within one or more pockets or recessesformed within the inner mounting element. In such cases, the combinationof bushing elements and recess walls can be configured to provide adesired combination of spring rate, deflection and/or other performancecharacteristics. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, innermounting element 708 can include a first plurality of recesses 726 thatextend into flange portion 714 from along first side 716. In a preferredarrangement, recesses 726 are dimensioned to receive and engage bushingelements 720. Additionally, or in the alternative, inner mountingelement 708 can include a second plurality of recesses 728 can extendinto flanged portion 714 from along second side 718. In a preferredarrangement, recesses 728 are dimensioned to receive and engage bushingelements 722.

Additionally, in a preferred arrangement, the quantity of recesses 726and 728 can, at a minimum, correspond to the quantity of bushingelements 720 and 722 included in end mount assembly 700. Furthermore,recesses 726 and 728 can be disposed in an approximately uniform spacingor pattern about axis AX and/or along the respective side of the flangeportion of inner mounting element 708. Further still, in a preferredarrangement, recesses 726 and 728 can be arranged on opposing sides offlange portion 714 in an interleaved or otherwise alternating pattern orconfiguration with respect to one another, as discussed above inconnection with bushing elements 720 and 722. It will be appreciated,however, that other configurations and/or arrangements could alternatelybe used.

During use, end mount assembly 700 can permit damper rod 602 to pivot orotherwise move by displacing inner mounting element 708 relative tomounting bracket 702. Such movement of inner mounting element 708 cancompress one or more of bushing elements 720 into abutting engagementwith mounting bracket 702 and can urge one or more of bushing elements722 into abutting engagement with end member 300. As displacement ofinner mounting element 708 by damper rod 602 increases, bushing elements720 and 722 begin to compress. As the compression continues to increase,one or more of bushing elements 724 can also contact end member 300thereby increasing the spring rate and/or reducing further deflection ofinner mounting element relative to mounting bracket 702.

As used herein with reference to certain features, elements, componentsand/or structures, numerical ordinals (e.g., first, second, third,fourth, etc.) may be used to denote different singles of a plurality orotherwise identify certain features, elements, components and/orstructures, and do not imply any order or sequence unless specificallydefined by the claim language. Additionally, the terms “transverse,” andthe like, are to be broadly interpreted. As such, the terms“transverse,” and the like, can include a wide range of relative angularorientations that include, but are not limited to, an approximatelyperpendicular angular orientation. Also, the terms “circumferential,”“circumferentially,” and the like, are to be broadly interpreted and caninclude, but are not limited to circular shapes and/or configurations.In this regard, the terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” andthe like, can be synonymous with terms such as “peripheral,”“peripherally,” and the like.

Furthermore, the phrase “flowed-material joint” and the like, if usedherein, are to be interpreted to include any joint or connection inwhich a liquid or otherwise flowable material (e.g., a melted metal orcombination of melted metals) is deposited or otherwise presentedbetween adjacent component parts and operative to form a fixed andsubstantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. Examples of processesthat can be used to form such a flowed-material joint include, withoutlimitation, welding processes, brazing processes and solderingprocesses. In such cases, one or more metal materials and/or alloys canbe used to form such a flowed-material joint, in addition to anymaterial from the component parts themselves. Another example of aprocess that can be used to form a flowed-material joint includesapplying, depositing or otherwise presenting an adhesive betweenadjacent component parts that is operative to form a fixed andsubstantially fluid-tight connection therebetween. In such case, it willbe appreciated that any suitable adhesive material or combination ofmaterials can be used, such as one-part and/or two-part epoxies, forexample.

Further still, the term “gas” is used herein to broadly refer to anygaseous or vaporous fluid. Most commonly, air is used as the workingmedium of gas spring devices, such as those described herein, as well assuspension systems and other components thereof. However, it will beunderstood that any suitable gaseous fluid could alternately be used.

It will be recognized that numerous different features and/or componentsare presented in the embodiments shown and described herein, and that noone embodiment may be specifically shown and described as including allsuch features and components. As such, it is to be understood that thesubject matter of the present disclosure is intended to encompass anyand all combinations of the different features and components that areshown and described herein, and, without limitation, that any suitablearrangement of features and components, in any combination, can be used.Thus it is to be distinctly understood claims directed to any suchcombination of features and/or components, whether or not specificallyembodied herein, are intended to find support in the present disclosure.

Thus, while the subject matter of the present disclosure has beendescribed with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerableemphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structuralinterrelationships between the component parts of the embodimentsdisclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made andthat many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated anddescribed without departing from the principles hereof. Obviously,modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading andunderstanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is tobe distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to beinterpreted merely as illustrative of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that thesubject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including allsuch modifications and alterations.

1. A gas spring and gas damper assembly comprising: a flexible springmember having a longitudinal axis and including a flexible wallextending longitudinally between first and second ends and peripherallyabout said axis to at least partially define a spring chamber; a firstend member operatively secured to said first end of said flexible springmember such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formedtherebetween; and, a second end member disposed in spaced relation tosaid first end member and operatively secured to said second end of saidflexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal isformed therebetween, said second end member including an end member wallthat includes an outer side wall portion that extends longitudinallyalong said second end member and an end wall portion oriented transverseto said longitudinal axis, said end member wall at least partiallydefining an end member cavity disposed radially inward of said outerside wall portion; a housing sleeve extending longitudinally betweenopposing sleeve ends, said housing sleeve including a sleeve wall withan inner surface and an outer surface, said housing sleeve at leastpartially received within said end member cavity with said inner surfaceof said sleeve wall at least partially defining a damping chamber; adamper rod assembly including a damper piston and an elongated damperrod operatively connected to said damper piston, said damper pistonpositioned within said damping chamber and including an outer side walldisposed adjacent said inner surface of said inner sleeve, said damperpiston separating said piston chamber into first and second chamberportions; and, an elongated damping passage extending between a firstpassage end and a second passage end, said elongated damping passagehaving one of a spiral configuration and a helical configuration withsaid first passage end disposed in fluid communication with said springchamber and said second passage end disposed in fluid communication withone of said first and second chamber portions; said damper rodoperatively connected to said first end member such that upon extensionand compression of said gas spring and gas damper assembly, said damperpiston is reciprocally displaced within said damping chamber andpressurized gas damping is generated from at least pressurized gastransfer through said elongated damping passage between said springchamber and said damping chamber.
 2. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 1, wherein said elongated damping passage isdisposed along said end wall portion of said second end member wall. 3.A gas spring and gas damper assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidend wall portion of said end member wall includes a first surface facingtoward said first end member and a second surface facing away from saidfirst end member, and said elongated damping passage has an open sidealong said second side of said end wall portion.
 4. A gas spring and gasdamper assembly according to claim 3 further comprising an end platedisposed within said end member cavity and extending across said openside of said elongated damping passage.
 5. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 1 further comprising an end plate disposedalong said end wall portion of said end member wall, said end plateincluding a first surface facing toward said first end member and asecond surface facing away from said first end member with saidelongated damping passage at least partially formed within said endplate along said first surface.
 6. A gas spring and gas damper assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein said elongated damping passage has an openside along said first surface of said end plate.
 7. A gas spring and gasdamper assembly according to claim 5, wherein said end plate has anouter peripheral edge, and one of said sleeve ends of said housingsleeve is disposed in abutting engagement with said outer peripheraledge to at least partially retain said end plate in abutting engagementwith said end wall portion of said end member wall.
 8. A gas spring andgas damper assembly according to claim 5, wherein said end plateincludes an inner peripheral edge at least partially defining an openingthrough said end plate, and said gas spring and gas damper assemblyfurther comprises a support ring extending through said opening in saidend plate, said support ring secured to said end wall portion to atleast partially retain said end plate in abutting engagement with saidend wall portion of said end member wall.
 9. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 5, wherein said end plate includes a port influid communication with one of said first and second passage ends ofsaid elongated damping passage such that pressurized gas transfersbetween said elongated damping passage and said damping chamber throughsaid port in said end plate.
 10. A gas spring and gas damper assemblyaccording to claim 9, wherein said second end member includes anindexing feature formed therealong, and said end plate includes anindexing feature cooperative with said indexing feature of said secondend member to rotationally locate said end plate about said axisrelative to said second end member.
 11. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 1 further comprising an end cap disposedalong one of said sleeve ends opposite said second end member.
 12. A gasspring and gas damper assembly according to claim 11, wherein said endcap includes an end cap wall that at least partially defines an end capcavity, and said gas spring and gas damper assembly further comprises anend plate disposed within said end cap cavity.
 13. A gas spring and gasdamper assembly according to claim 12, wherein said end plate has anouter peripheral edge, and one of said sleeve ends of said housingsleeve is disposed in abutting engagement with said outer peripheraledge to at least partially retain said end plate in abutting engagementwith said end cap wall of said end cap.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A method ofmanufacturing a gas spring and gas damper assembly, said methodcomprising: providing a flexible spring member having a longitudinalaxis and including a flexible wall extending longitudinally betweenfirst and second ends and peripherally about said axis to at leastpartially define a spring chamber; providing a first end member andsecuring said first end member across said first end of said flexiblespring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formedtherebetween; providing a second end member including an end member wallthat includes an outer side wall portion that extends longitudinallyalong said second end member and an end wall portion oriented transverseto said longitudinal axis with said end member wall at least partiallydefining an end member cavity disposed radially inward of said outerside wall portion; securing said second end member across said secondend of said flexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tightseal is formed therebetween; providing a housing sleeve extendinglongitudinally between opposing sleeve ends, said housing sleeveincluding a sleeve wall with an inner surface and an outer surface;positioning said housing sleeve at least partially within said endmember cavity such that said inner surface of said sleeve wall at leastpartially defines a damping chamber; providing a damper piston assemblyincluding a damper piston and an elongated damper rod operativelyconnected to said damper piston, said damper piston including an outerside wall; positioning said damper piston within said damping chambersuch that said outer side wall is disposed adjacent said inner surfaceof said inner sleeve with said damper piston separating said pistonchamber into first and second chamber portions; connecting at least oneof said first and second chamber portions in fluid communication withsaid spring chamber through an elongated damping passage; and,connecting said damper rod to said first end member such that uponextension and compression of said gas spring and gas damper assembly,said damper piston is reciprocally displaced within said damping chamberto generate pressurized gas damping with additional pressurized gasdamping being generated from pressurized gas transfer between saidspring chamber and said damping chamber through said elongated dampingpassage.
 16. A gas spring and gas damper assembly comprising: a flexiblespring member having a longitudinal axis and including a flexible wallextending longitudinally between first and second ends and peripherallyabout said axis to at least partially define a spring chamber; a firstend member operatively secured to said first end of said flexible springmember such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formedtherebetween; and, a second end member disposed in spaced relation tosaid first end member and operatively secured to said second end of saidflexible spring member such that a substantially fluid-tight seal isformed therebetween, said second end member including an end member wallthat includes an outer side wall portion that extends longitudinallyalong said second end member and an end wall portion oriented transverseto said longitudinal axis, said end member wall at least partiallydefining an end member cavity disposed radially inward of said outerside wall portion; a housing sleeve extending longitudinally betweenopposing sleeve ends, said housing sleeve including a sleeve wall withan inner surface and an outer surface, said housing sleeve at leastpartially received within said end member cavity with said inner surfaceof said sleeve wall at least partially defining a damping chamber; adamper rod assembly including a damper piston and an elongated damperrod operatively connected to said damper piston, said damper pistonpositioned within said damping chamber and including an outer side walldisposed adjacent said inner surface of said inner sleeve, said damperpiston separating said piston chamber into first and second chamberportions; and, an elongated damping passage disposed along said end wallportion of said second end member wall, said elongated damping passagehaving a spiral configuration extending between a first passage end anda second passage end with said first passage end disposed in fluidcommunication with said spring chamber and said second passage enddisposed in fluid communication with one of said first and secondchamber portions; said damper rod operatively connected to said firstend member such that upon extension and compression of said gas springand gas damper assembly, said damper piston is reciprocally displacedwithin said damping chamber and pressurized gas damping is generatedfrom at least pressurized gas transfer through said elongated dampingpassage between said spring chamber and said damping chamber.
 17. A gasspring and gas damper assembly according to claim 16, wherein saidelongated damping passage is at least partially formed within said endwall portion of said end member wall.
 18. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 17, wherein said end wall portion of saidend member wall includes a first surface facing toward said first endmember and a second surface facing away from said first end member, andsaid elongated damping passage includes an open side disposed along saidsecond surface of said end wall portion.
 19. A gas spring and gas damperassembly according to claim 18 further comprising an end plate disposedwithin said end member cavity and extending across said open side ofsaid elongated damping passage.
 20. A gas spring and gas damper assemblyaccording to claim 16 further comprising an end plate disposed alongsaid end wall portion of said end member wall with said elongateddamping passage at least partially formed within said end plate.
 21. Agas spring and gas damper assembly according to claim 20, wherein saidend wall portion of said end member wall includes a first surface facingtoward said first end member and a second surface facing away fromtoward said end plate, and said elongated damping passage includes anopen side disposed in facing relation with said second surface of saidend wall portion of said end member wall.